Priscilla (Pip) Emily Stilphen Ross

Priscilla (Pip) Emily Stilphen Ross, 78, of Chebeague Island, died January 4, 2016 at Gosnell House Hospice Center after a long illness, with her loving family by her side.

Pip graduated valedictorian of her class of 1955 from Chebeague High School and married her husband of 60 years, Richard, shortly thereafter. She had such zest for life and a genuine love for everyone she knew. Working in her garden was her joy, when she was able and continued to give her such pleasure when she was only able to look at it from her porch or kitchen window overlooking the ocean. She enjoyed cooking, reading and loved any fur or feathered creature but it was her family who truly gave her the most joy. Pip faced her many health challenges with amazing strength and determination and never allowed her health to dampen her enthusiasm for life. Her faith and spirituality sustained her throughout several major health events...her amazing spirit ever-vibrant.

She is survived by her soul mate husband, Richard (Poochie), Sister Constance Fowler, daughters Beverly Murray and Barbara Ballard; their husbands Pat Murray and Joseph Ballard; her grand-children Patrick Murray, April and Jonathan Caldwell, Kelley MacLennan and Kara Williams and her great-grandchildren Jake,, Ben, Jack and Lucy; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The date of her celebration of life is still to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Chebeague Methodist Church and The Gosnell House.